Man guilty of neglecting dog

A Hastings man has been disqualified from keeping dogs for a year after pleading guilty to offences under the Animal Welfare Act.

Gavin Hillyard, 33, of Cambridge Road, Hastings, appeared at Hastings Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday (December 16) for sentencing in relation to his collie-springer spaniel cross, Zac.

The RSPCA was called with concerns about Zac in July. He was found with a skin infection and signed over into RSPCA care.

RSPCA inspector Alison Edwards said: “It was immediately clear that Zac had been neglected, was suffering and had needed to see a vet for some time. He had bald patches, sores and scabs all over the back end of his body, as well as overgrown nails, and fleas. He was properly emaciated - less than half the weight he should have been. When found he weighed just 11kg whereas he is now a happy 26kg.”

Zac was taken to Mount Noddy Animal Centre, Chichester, and has since been happily rehomed.

At a hearing on November 21 Hillyard pleaded guilty to offences under the Animal Welfare Act. Along with being disqualified from keeping dogs for a year, he was given a 12-month community order with 60 hours unpaid work, and £300 costs.